Drugs have limited effect on dementia

Drug therapies have a limited effect on people with dementia and drug cessation should be considered as the condition progresses, according to a paper published in Australian Prescriber.

Dr Alisa Crouch, a registrar in geriatric medicine at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra’s Hospital, said in the article that cholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine could reduce symptoms in people who still had cognitive function.

But Dr Crouch said drugs could only slow the rate of decline and they became less effective as a person with dementia deteriorated.

“Timing of cessation of drug therapy for dementia is controversial, but should be considered if the patient is completely dependent in their care needs,” she said in the article.

“Cessation should be discussed with the patient’s family, particularly as they may notice some deterioration in the patient’s functional abilities.”

The article also lists the sub-types of dementia, along with their distinguishing features and causes.

Dr Crouch said that although there was no cure for most types of dementia, when a dementia diagnosis included information about the sub-type, patients and their families could develop an individualised treatment plan.

“Early education and planning for future events can assist both the patient and their support network,” she said.

Dr Crouch added that there was no reliable evidence about the effectiveness of drugs such as vitamin E, selegiline, vitamin B12 or ginkgo biloba.